SHOULD SENATE BE GIVEN VETO POWERS?
The Thirdway Alliance of Ekuru Eukot– in its people’s initiative proposed great transformation of the Senate.While Member of Parliament Cecily Mbarire is proposing the abolition of the Senate.
So what are the roles of the senate
The roles of the Senate in Kenya mostly relate to the enactment of laws that touches on the Counties. Despite that, it has a decisive role to play and wield great influence in the sphere of politics and governance.
The Senate in Kenya derives its legislative power from the people of the Republic of Kenya. It represents the will of the electorate, shows the face and diversity of the state, exercises their sovereignty, protect the Constitution and promote the democratic governance of the Republic. (Article 94 of the Kenyan Constitution).
The Constitution of Kenya qualify the role of the Senate as follows:
Determining the share of national revenue that goes to the Counties; Considering, debating and appro-bating bills concerning Counties;
Exercising oversight authority over the national revenue appro-bated to the County Governments; Exercising oversight over State Officers. It considers and determines any resolution to remove the President or the Deputy President from office.
In essence, the Senate plays a corporate role in representing the devolved county governments.
Considering this roles, should it be given more powers?
Proposals by Thirdway Alliance would make the Senate more powerful. The Bill says, “the Senate shall be the Upper House with veto power’’.
But of “veto power” is too powerful. In different countries, upper house or senates are there to hold back the other house. “Veto” Imply a completely throwing out a concluded decision. Should we give the Senate that drastic power?
Minority leader James Orengo (Siaya), led other senators in pushing for the amendment of the BBI report released three weeks ago to give the Senate veto powers.
“The Senators has said it all. The Senate should be empowered and Kenyans should decide,” Orengo said.
Supporting Senator Orengo, Fred Outa, Kisumu senator; Ochillo Ayacho who is Migori senator and nominated senator Rose Nyamunga, sayed the Senate should be empowered.
Kenyan nation and its people moved into a new era of a new constitution. The citizens and the government institutions are still learning to understand how they must align to it, and our courts are playing a leading role in this.
If we change again, and into a hurriedly designed product , and by the same self-seeking designers in it, shall we truly be improve?
The Thirdway Alliance of Ekuru Eukot– in its people’s initiative proposed great transformation of the Senate.While Member of Parliament Cecily Mbarire is proposing the abolition of the Senate.
So what are the roles of the senate
The roles of the Senate in Kenya mostly relate to the enactment of laws that touches on the Counties. Despite that, it has a decisive role to play and wield great influence in the sphere of politics and governance.
The Senate in Kenya derives its legislative power from the people of the Republic of Kenya. It represents the will of the electorate, shows the face and diversity of the state, exercises their sovereignty, protect the Constitution and promote the democratic governance of the Republic. (Article 94 of the Kenyan Constitution).
The Constitution of Kenya qualify the role of the Senate as follows:
Determining the share of national revenue that goes to the Counties; Considering, debating and appro-bating bills concerning Counties;
Exercising oversight authority over the national revenue appro-bated to the County Governments; Exercising oversight over State Officers. It considers and determines any resolution to remove the President or the Deputy President from office.
In essence, the Senate plays a corporate role in representing the devolved county governments.
Considering this roles, should it be given more powers?
Proposals by Thirdway Alliance would make the Senate more powerful. The Bill says, “the Senate shall be the Upper House with veto power’’.
But of “veto power” is too powerful. In different countries, upper house or senates are there to hold back the other house. “Veto” Imply a completely throwing out a concluded decision. Should we give the Senate that drastic power?
Minority leader James Orengo (Siaya), led other senators in pushing for the amendment of the BBI report released three weeks ago to give the Senate veto powers.
“The Senators has said it all. The Senate should be empowered and Kenyans should decide,” Orengo said.
Supporting Senator Orengo, Fred Outa, Kisumu senator; Ochillo Ayacho who is Migori senator and nominated senator Rose Nyamunga, sayed the Senate should be empowered.
Kenyan nation and its people moved into a new era of a new constitution. The citizens and the government institutions are still learning to understand how they must align to it, and our courts are playing a leading role in this.
If we change again, and into a hurriedly designed product , and by the same self-seeking designers in it, shall we truly be improve?
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| Senator James Orengo |
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